Tide Football 2013

[Marshal Dillon]

Well, after 3 games the best descriptions for the football team is disappointing, under performing, and a mystery. All 3 games have been disturbing and left more questions than answers. The 2 biggest problem ares are the defense and the O-line. Our once mighty power running game is hot & cold and no one is really shining on the D. I think all the losses to the NFL Draft may be finally catching up to us. I have some questions for my fellow posters:

1)  Do you think the Tide goes undefeated this year? Why or why not?

2)  What is your explanation for the Tide's problems? Be specific.

3)  Ole Miss comes to T-Town. What is your main concern and what do you think Coach Saban is going to do? Be specific.


I'm not looking for a rah rah answer or that you trust Saban to take care of things or every thing will work out. Those were the answers after the VT and A&M games and they have not come to fruition. Please give me some real ideas or observations. Thanks guys.


 

[ALTideUp]

1)  Do you think the Tide goes undefeated this year? Why or why not?

Yes. Whatever you might say about the aTm game there were 1,000 ways that could have gone wrong. Most importantly, it showed how the Oline CAN play. While aTm's D wasn't the greatest, it was better than CSU's and yet our performance last night underwhelmed. I really think that there is enormous pressure on these guys and playing to their opponents might be a combination of a natural tendency and something that coach is letting happen. Ole Miss and LSU can beat us but I don't think they will. Big question mark is whether CNS can convince the team that being at BDS isn't a huge statistical advantage for us.

2)  What is your explanation for the Tide's problems? Be specific.

The problem with the DBs is real. A team that tries to beat us with talent alone may not be able to, but a team that tries to beat us with scheme might. Like CSU.
The problem with the oline is as I said above. They cannot play like their lives depended on it every week.

3)  Ole Miss comes to T-Town. What is your main concern and what do you think Coach Saban is going to do? Be specific.

Nkemdiche is the real deal, and so are several of the other 4-5 star frosh they've added. If CNS can find a way to neutralize the Ole Miss D-line, we should put some points up. Their QB Bo Wallace has a rating of 142, and has 3 6'3 receivers who have amassed big yards this year. If Wallace is accurate we may not be able to play in front of them and so we may give lots of yards on short passes.

Bama 21-17

[McBaman]

Good posts by both of you.  I want to see hscoach's take on CSU.

1.  Disappointing and underperforming? -- Yes, but we are 3-0.  It's the way we won that bothers us, and CNS.

2.  A mystery? -- Absolutely.  Hard for me to figure what all the problems are. Some like OL and DB's are obvious.  I don't understand why both are as weak as they are. Only way to get better is practice and playing.

3.  I think injuries were a factor in CSU game more than has been talked about.  Announcers didn't mention Steen being out.  Cooper & Norwood both being out may have affected timing/communication between AJ & receivers.  We also had, I think three guys out on D -- Jarrick Williams, Belue and one I can't remember.

In a post game interview AJ was very frustrated and kept talking about lack of communication among the offense.  His leadership is needed here.

Going undefeated??  Not giving up on this yet.  I think we find a way to beat Ole Miss, but game will be close and one blown assignment on defense could affect the outcome.

Then we gotta keep getting better before LSU. Barners ran the ball well vs. LSU.  If we can do that, and if DBs are better by then, then we'll win that one too.  But SECCG could be a big challenge.  Long way to go before then though.

[KoKoPuf]

1. 70-30 they go undefeated. LSU definitely has a shot but they tailed off big time in the second half. Ole Miss? Maybe but I'm still not convinced. They should have lost to Vandy and beat Texas. BFD.

2. Fixing the OL will solve lots of problems. I think Cristobal's schemes may be too complex. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Just my opinion, but we are using way too many RB's. Good RB's, like TJY, seem to get better as their workload increases.

3. Blitz Wallace. Throw to TE (Howard), run Yeldon, and throw deep. A couple of Special Team TD's wouldn't hurt.

[Marshal Dillon]

Good posts by both of you.  I want to see hscoach's take on CSU.

1.  Disappointing and underperforming? -- Yes, but we are 3-0.  It's the way we won that bothers us, and CNS.

2.  A mystery? -- Absolutely.  Hard for me to figure what all the problems are. Some like OL and DB's are obvious.  I don't understand why both are as weak as they are. Only way to get better is practice and playing.

3.  I think injuries were a factor in CSU game more than has been talked about.  Announcers didn't mention Steen being out.  Cooper & Norwood both being out may have affected timing/communication between AJ & receivers.  We also had, I think three guys out on D -- Jarrick Williams, Belue and one I can't remember.

In a post game interview AJ was very frustrated and kept talking about lack of communication among the offense.  His leadership is needed here.

Going undefeated??  Not giving up on this yet.  I think we find a way to beat Ole Miss, but game will be close and one blown assignment on defense could affect the outcome.

Then we gotta keep getting better before LSU. Barners ran the ball well vs. LSU.  If we can do that, and if DBs are better by then, then we'll win that one too.  But SECCG could be a big challenge.  Long way to go before then though.

I had not heard those comments from AJ, but what does that mean? Communication about what, to whom, & in what manner? AJ is the QB so I'm confused.


 

[ricky023]

I think all the losses to the NFL Draft may be finally catching up to us. I have some questions for my fellow posters:

1)  Do you think the Tide goes undefeated this year? Why or why not?
 


No I do not think we go undefeated this year because we are to young. The attitude seems to be greater than thou, and that communication AJ was speaking of, it has to change. Only 11 people on the same page goes undefeated in any year. We don't look like we near the same page. Oregon would kill us right now.



2)  What is your explanation for the Tide's problems? Be specific.
The NFL has taken experience away from us. Defense: We had leaders in the past we don't have that person or persons pushing as we should do. CJ and HaHa are to be leaders but if they can't get their own positions right how can they be leaders? Leaders must lead and then push. Our d-line is soft, and they make a play ever 9-10 downs and they jump up and down like a bunch of jokesters. Ed Stinson and Pagan should be eating people up on that d-line.



3)  Ole Miss comes to T-Town. What is your main concern and what do you think Coach Saban is going to do? Be specific.


Consistency from the defense and offense. Ole Miss has been a thorn in our side for years and they like Vandy for some reason play their best football against us. If CNS has to he needs to borrow a good pass rusher from a High School team so some pressure would be helpful. The WR's better quit dropping passes and AJ needs to learn to quit over throwing passes. We need the WR's blocking down field for each other and the RB's like we use to have done.


That you trust Saban to take care of things or every thing will work out.
I am not sure I can trust CNS to win games anymore. He doesn't run the ball or throw the ball. He doesn't cover WR's on defense or stop the holes in the D-line. So I am here to say CNS is only a coach. Looks like he has lost the power to light that fire some what. JMHO!

I am sad but I feel I am right. RTR!

[McBaman]

Here's a link to AJ's post CSU comments.

Click here for link

IMHO...He was calling out the O.  His way of saying we are better than this and it's time to get it together and stop all the silly $crew-ups. I'm guessing he'll have more to say in team meetings.

[cbbama99]

In short, yes, I think Bama will go undefeated. The schedule is still favorable, and I think the matchups the rest of the way will favor them for the most part. I think we defend straight-up NFL-type offenses better, and that is pretty much what LSU runs under Cam Cameron. The barn might pose a few problems, but I think the overall talent of the team, plus their overall lack of depth will bite them in the end. Other than OM, I'm not sure anyone else will give us much trouble (UT is a dumpster fire, MSU is weak, and UK is, well, UK.

Two areas really concern me. First, the up and down play of the OL. Weak against VT, good against TAMU, weak again against CSU. More consistency is needed. I'm just not sure that this group is as dominant as some analysts say they are. Losing guys like Barrett and DJ were huge, though CK has the talent to be one of the best if he can curb the holding penalties. Cristobal is going to have to jerk a knot into the butt of these guys in practice this week. Second, the DBs are not performing at all. Other than Vinnie, I have not seen that killer instinct from any of they as of yet. That has to change, and overall technique needs to improve (i.e. Fulton getting burned so much last week).

OM has a good defense, and RK looks to be the real deal. If the OL doesn't shape up, AJ is going to be eating a lot of dirt this Saturday. However, I think that while OM has made great strides, they are still not up to the Tide's talent level. We hold them on offense, and AJ and the receivers make enough plays to pull away late in the third.

Bama 37, OM 17

[Marshal Dillon]

In short, yes, I think Bama will go undefeated. The schedule is still favorable, and I think the matchups the rest of the way will favor them for the most part. I think we defend straight-up NFL-type offenses better, and that is pretty much what LSU runs under Cam Cameron. The barn might pose a few problems, but I think the overall talent of the team, plus their overall lack of depth will bite them in the end. Other than OM, I'm not sure anyone else will give us much trouble (UT is a dumpster fire, MSU is weak, and UK is, well, UK.

Two areas really concern me. First, the up and down play of the OL. Weak against VT, good against TAMU, weak again against CSU. More consistency is needed. I'm just not sure that this group is as dominant as some analysts say they are. Losing guys like Barrett and DJ were huge, though CK has the talent to be one of the best if he can curb the holding penalties. Cristobal is going to have to jerk a knot into the butt of these guys in practice this week. Second, the DBs are not performing at all. Other than Vinnie, I have not seen that killer instinct from any of they as of yet. That has to change, and overall technique needs to improve (i.e. Fulton getting burned so much last week).

OM has a good defense, and RK looks to be the real deal. If the OL doesn't shape up, AJ is going to be eating a lot of dirt this Saturday. However, I think that while OM has made great strides, they are still not up to the Tide's talent level. We hold them on offense, and AJ and the receivers make enough plays to pull away late in the third.

Bama 37, OM 17

I am totally bumfuzzled about a score for the game. Can the Tide D really hold them to 17 points when Ole Miss is a passing team & our pass D is deplorable? It will definitely be a good test of the D.


 

[SUPERCOACH]

Well, after 3 games the best descriptions for the football team is disappointing, under performing, and a mystery. All 3 games have been disturbing and left more questions than answers. The 2 biggest problem ares are the defense and the O-line. Our once mighty power running game is hot & cold and no one is really shining on the D. I think all the losses to the NFL Draft may be finally catching up to us. I have some questions for my fellow posters:

1)  Do you think the Tide goes undefeated this year? Why or why not?

2)  What is your explanation for the Tide's problems? Be specific.

3)  Ole Miss comes to T-Town. What is your main concern and what do you think Coach Saban is going to do? Be specific.


I'm not looking for a rah rah answer or that you trust Saban to take care of things or every thing will work out. Those were the answers after the VT and A&M games and they have not come to fruition. Please give me some real ideas or observations. Thanks guys.


 

1)  The odds are against us.  Undefeated seasons are pretty rare.  However we have a manageable schedule this year so it is possible.  If we can play well against Ole Miss and win that game, we will have a long time to "find our identity" before we are tested again.

2)  We are talented, no question about that.  I think it is mostly an attitude problem with the younger players.  We also have been slow to develop leadership, but I think AJ has taken the reins now.  The spankee has now become the spanker, and I was very fired up to see him take charge after Drake went the wrong way.  CNS has said that we have leaders but they are reluctant to be vocal with their team mates.  Hopefully that issue has been resolved now.  CJ needs to follow AJ's example and take over the defense.

3)  My main concern is that we loaf around this week during practice and don't take them seriously.  We need to play to our standard and get better every week.  I will be watching CNS closely this week during the press conferences to see if he is calm and pleased with our progress or if he has steam coming out of his ears and veins throbbing on his forehead.  If he brings up the dog on a leash story again we might be in trouble.  I don't think there is much CNS can do or he would have done it already.  I think it will be up to the leaders on the team to get in the face of anybody that is not giving full effort.  One thing CNS can do, and he has been doing it already, is to let some other guys get in there and play to send a message that no job is safe, you have to earn your playing time.

[Marshal Dillon]

Well, after 3 games the best descriptions for the football team is disappointing, under performing, and a mystery. All 3 games have been disturbing and left more questions than answers. The 2 biggest problem ares are the defense and the O-line. Our once mighty power running game is hot & cold and no one is really shining on the D. I think all the losses to the NFL Draft may be finally catching up to us. I have some questions for my fellow posters:

1)  Do you think the Tide goes undefeated this year? Why or why not?

2)  What is your explanation for the Tide's problems? Be specific.

3)  Ole Miss comes to T-Town. What is your main concern and what do you think Coach Saban is going to do? Be specific.


I'm not looking for a rah rah answer or that you trust Saban to take care of things or every thing will work out. Those were the answers after the VT and A&M games and they have not come to fruition. Please give me some real ideas or observations. Thanks guys.


 

1)  The odds are against us.  Undefeated seasons are pretty rare.  However we have a manageable schedule this year so it is possible.  If we can play well against Ole Miss and win that game, we will have a long time to "find our identity" before we are tested again.

2)  We are talented, no question about that.  I think it is mostly an attitude problem with the younger players.  We also have been slow to develop leadership, but I think AJ has taken the reins now.  The spankee has now become the spanker, and I was very fired up to see him take charge after Drake went the wrong way.  CNS has said that we have leaders but they are reluctant to be vocal with their team mates.  Hopefully that issue has been resolved now.  CJ needs to follow AJ's example and take over the defense.

3)  My main concern is that we loaf around this week during practice and don't take them seriously.  We need to play to our standard and get better every week.  I will be watching CNS closely this week during the press conferences to see if he is calm and pleased with our progress or if he has steam coming out of his ears and veins throbbing on his forehead.  If he brings up the dog on a leash story again we might be in trouble.  I don't think there is much CNS can do or he would have done it already.  I think it will be up to the leaders on the team to get in the face of anybody that is not giving full effort.  One thing CNS can do, and he has been doing it already, is to let some other guys get in there and play to send a message that no job is safe, you have to earn your playing time.

You're sort in the same mindset as me when it comes to an undefeated season, but I think it's a 50/50 proposition right now, maybe a little less. The press conference will be interesting.


 

[Chechem]

Part of me wants to soak up the fact that we're amidst dynasty, relax, and enjoy the success.

Then CNS mentions that 'dog on a leash story', and every player seems to be a spoiled brat crying for attention while the greatest potential in college-football history passes quietly away.

[N.AL-Tider]

I think our DB's weren't as good as we want/need them to be because CNS was playing some younger, less experienced kids because of how the regulars played against aTm.  He seems to be trying to send a message to the regulars.  Hopefully they get the message.  Not sure but perhaps the poor play of the OL was due to a natural "let-down" after such a big game last week against aTm.  Time will hopefully tell on that.  If we can get past Mississippi then we will have several games to gain experience and improve team chemistry and will then hopefully be able to beat LSU.  I really think that LSU will be our toughest opponent from here on.  Of course, the SECCG will be tough but I am not convinced that the Gators, USCe, or UGA are as good as LSU or aTm.  Hopefully we can get past them and secure our place in the BCSCG again as an undefeated team.  Hopefully too Oregon will stumble as they usually do and we can meet OSU and spank them...

[2Stater]

1) This will be the most stress filled, undefeated team Bama has ever had. I'm thinking 45-35 against Ole Miss and then we aren't really tested again until LSU. I see us being up for that game and will probably be as entertaining as the A&M game. Even though we play the barn at their pacle, they don't yet have the horses to hang with Bama.

I think we play Ga. for the SECCG and their defense is much worse than ours. It will be another high scoring shootout that I think we win. If tOSU, Louisville and Oregon go undefeated, we will play Oregon for the NCG. That will be our greatest test of the year. Our advantage?...CNS has over a month to prepare for them. Will be another shootout, but I think we take them.

So short answer, yes.

2) We don't have Mark Barron, Dre Kirkpatrick, or Dee Milliner anymore, all superstars that have moved on to the NFL. What we do have are many players with talent that yet to have a leader emerge. Vinnie leads by example and in my opinion, Landon Collins is destined to become the next superstar. I think he will become the leader of the DB's in time. Gino needs to work his way back to more playing time. We need his talent on the field.

Short answer, we are currently raw in pass coverage. CJ is the boss of the middle and the DL is solid, but it is a glaring weakness that we have no consistent pass rusher. Adrian Hubbard was terrific last night at containing the edge. He saved us much of the night.

3) CNS will work overtime with the DB's this week. I think they will be improved for OM, but not exceptional. If we get past Ole Miss this week, we have 6 weeks to prepare for LSU. I see a high scoring affair this weekend with Bama prevailing.

I'm still Alfred E. Newman. I'm not worried.

[bamaphil]

If all the starters who were left out of Saturday's game had played we probably would have seen a very different game.  Yes, the score probably should have been different, but with several key players out and many young, inexperienced players getting their first significant playing time the week after a physically and emotionally exhausting game it wasn't entirely unexpected.   

In response to the original questions:

1.  Yes, I still think there's a very good chance this team goes undefeated.  The schedule is set up perfectly for an undefeated season.  If we get past Ole Miss they have more than a month to work things out before LSU, which should be the only serious challenge before the SECCG, assuming the wheels don't come off out some point.  Midway through the 2009 I don't think anyone believed the team had what it took to finish undefeated, but they did. 

2.  Since I only see what happens on the field during games I don't know.  It seems to be a lack of experience.  The 0-line is talented but not playing well together.  The DBs are talented but got beat by Manziel (good news is we won't face another QB anywhere near his level this year).  I think we'll really know where we stand defensively after the Ole Miss game.  It does seem that we're missing the defensive leader that we've had in previous years.  The absence of Barrett Jones' leadership on the o-line is obvious, and no one has stepped up yet.

3.   My main concern with Ole Miss is the DBs.  Their passing game is good enough to put up some points if the secondary doesn't play well.  I'd expect to see more blitzes, pressure on the QB, something that couldn't really be done against A&M because of Manziel's abilities. 

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